Prabowo Subianto Sworn in as Indonesia's 8th President
On October 20, 2024, Prabowo Subianto was officially inaugurated as Indonesia's new president at a ceremony held in the parliament building in Jakarta. The 73-year-old former general won the presidential election in February, securing a decisive victory with the backing of outgoing President Joko Widodo. Subianto's inauguration was marked by the attendance of leaders and senior officials from over 40 countries, including notable figures from the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.
A New Era for Indonesia
Subianto's rise to the presidency marks a significant shift in Indonesia's leadership, as he takes over from Widodo, who served for a decade. The new president, who previously served as defense minister, is expected to continue many of his predecessor's policies while also pursuing a more assertive foreign policy. His administration's focus will likely include maintaining Indonesia's non-aligned stance while enhancing its global presence.
Challenges Ahead
As Subianto assumes leadership of the world's fourth-most populous nation, he will inherit a complex landscape, including Southeast Asia's largest economy and the world's largest nickel reserves. With approximately 280 million citizens, nearly half of whom are under 30, Subianto faces the challenge of addressing the aspirations of a youthful population while navigating international relations and economic growth.
